Netsuke thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Netsuke

18th century (made)
Place of origin

The netsuke is a toggle. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord. Netsuke had to be small and not too heavy, yet bulky enough to do the job. They needed to be compact with no sharp protruding edges, yet also strong and hardwearing. Above all, they had to have the means for attaching a cord. Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated being the katabori (shape carving), a three-dimensional carving, such as this one in the form of futen (god of wind).


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved ivory
Brief description
Netsuke, ivory carved with futen (god of wind), Japan, 18th century.
Physical description
This carved ivory netsuke is in the form of futen (god of the wind), the god wearing only a loin-cloth, holds his wind-bag over his head with both hands.
Dimensions
  • Height: 3.8cm
  • Width: 3.8cm
Style
Credit line
Fox Gift
Subject depicted
Summary
The netsuke is a toggle. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord. Netsuke had to be small and not too heavy, yet bulky enough to do the job. They needed to be compact with no sharp protruding edges, yet also strong and hardwearing. Above all, they had to have the means for attaching a cord. Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated being the katabori (shape carving), a three-dimensional carving, such as this one in the form of futen (god of wind).
Collection
Accession number
A.7-1915

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdApril 28, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest